While it caused cancer in these male rats, the dye does not cause cancer in humans and other animals in the same way, according to other studies. Therefore, “claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information,” according to the FDA.

Following the ban of red dye No. 3 in the United States, experts weigh in on the potential health risks of red dye No. 40, yellow No. 5 and others.

With the recent news that the Food and Drug Administration is banning Red No. 3, the artificial dye that is considered a potential carcinogen, some experts are saying it could be the start of a much larger trend to remove any number of additives from some of our favorite foods and drinks.